Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

According to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), to become a pharmacy technician in the state of Massachusetts, individuals must complete a training program OR a minimum of 500 hours of employment as a pharmacy technician trainee. They must also pass a State Board approved exam OR a national certification exam.

The program must be:

• ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) accredited
• Or provided by a federal branch of the armed services
• Or a board approved program with 240 hours of practical and theoretical instruction (with 120 hours of theoretical study)
• Or any program approved by the State Board

The following is the complete list of requirements by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy:

Registration Requirements for Non-Certified Applicants (247 CMR 8.02)

1) Be at least 18 years of age.
2) Be of good moral character and not been convicted of a drug-related felony.
3) Have a high school diploma or equivalent or currently enrolled in a program that awards such degree or certificate.
4) Have completed a Board-approved training program or a minimum of 500 hours of employment as a pharmacy technician trainee
5) Passed a Board-approved pharmacy technician assessment examination administered by the employer or the employer’s agency

Registration Requirements for Certified Applicants (247 CMR 8.04)

1) Be at least 18 years of age
2) Be of good moral character and not been convicted of a drug-related felony
3) Have a high school diploma or equivalent or currently enrolled in a program that awards such as degree or certificate
4) Currently certified by the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technician (EXCPT) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

While the requirements to become a pharmacy technician in the state of Massachusetts may seem a bit more rigid than other state requirements, aspiring pharmacy technicians needn’t worry. The state is home to several excellent schools that can help you ace the exam, and land a good job in the field.

Massachusetts Schools with Pharmacy Technician Training Programs:

Pharmacy Technician Programs - Major Massachusetts Colleges and Universities

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology - Boston 
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - Boston
Northeastern University - Boston

Pharmacy Technician Programs – Other Massachusetts Colleges

Holyoke Community College – Holyoke
iComputer Ed Institute – Somerville
Massasoit College – Canton
Mount Ida College - Newton
Roxbury Community College – Roxbury Crossing